Sweet Success in Pie Town: 43rd Annual Pie Festival draws crowds

Rain clouds may have loomed early Saturday morning, but they didn’t dampen the spirit of the 43rd Annual Pie Festival, where locals and visitors alike gathered to celebrate the town’s most beloved tradition: pie. From flaky fruit-filled slices to savory samplers, the festival delivered a full day of flavor, music and community.

“It was a fantastic turnout,” said Sarah Chavez, owner of Pie Town Pie Company. “The weather was a little iffy for a while—we weren’t sure if it was going to hold. But we welcome the rain. It was steady and great all day.”

By mid-afternoon, Chavez’s shop had sold out entirely.

“Last pie standing was a few cold pies,” she said. “We sold out by the slice and by the whole pie. Doors closed around 4 p.m.”

Visitors came from across the state, Albuquerque, Los Lunas, Las Cruces, and beyond, drawn by the promise of homemade pie and small-town charm. The new sampler offering, featuring five distinct flavors, was a runaway hit.

“That was our fan favorite,” Chavez said. “We’re really going to evolve with that.”

The festival’s energy carried into the evening with a lively community dance that lasted until 11 p.m.

“A lot of our team went,” Chavez said. “It was a success. Great turnout, great music.”

Beyond the pie and festivities, the event spotlighted local vendors and artisans, a cornerstone of the festival’s mission.

“There were a ton of great vendors that helped support,” Chavez said. “It’s all about supporting local, whether it’s culinary, crafts, or art. That’s the takeaway.” Chavez also said that she would love to see more vendors join in next year.

This year also marked the debut of a new playground, a grassroots project completed by a small group of committed locals.

“It’s helping the community,” Chavez said. “From homeschool kids to folks just traveling through, it’s a safe place to have some fun and eat some pie.”

From the morning Pi5k to the parade of trikes spotted around town, the festival offered a slice of everything Pie Town stands for: community, hospitality, and Pie.

“We’re getting better each year,” Chavez said.